ILPN-272

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: ILPN-271

Department Code: PIANO

An organized approach to establishing a thorough foundation of knowledge and proficiency in keyboard for the study of jazz harmony, improvisation, and composition. A continuation of ILPN-271. Material to be covered: additional exercises in scale patterns, diatonic sevenths in inversions, seventh chord inversions, harmonic tensions, voice leading, and sight-reading of lead sheets (melody/chord symbols). Designed for pianists and other instrumentalists who want to develop keyboard skills.

ILPN-273

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: ILPN-272

Department Code: PIANO

An organized approach to develop a thorough knowledge of common harmonic vocabulary used in contemporary jazz harmony, arranging, and composition. Foundation materials established in ILPN-271 and ILPN-272 are applied to one-handed and two-handed voicings through construction and supportive exercises. Designed for pianists and other instrumentalists who want to further develop keyboard skills.

Instrumental lab for piano principals emphasizing fundamental techniques and skills involved in playing the Hammond organ in predominant contemporary styles, including jazz, R&B, blues, rock, and funk. Study of recorded examples and transcriptions of influential performers.

ILPN-337

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: Piano principals

Prerequisites: ILPN-122 or overall ensemble rating 3

Department Code: PIANO

Instrumental lab for piano principals emphasizing techniques of playing the Hammond B3 organ in blues styles. Analysis and performance of blues and blues-related music including gospel, jazz blues, and soul.

ILPN-385

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: None

Electable by: Piano principals

Prerequisites: ILPN-112 or overal ensemble rating 3

Department Code: PIANO

The study and performance of traditionally notated accompaniments for music in a wide variety of styles serving to enhance performances and rehearsal skills, as well as broaden professional opportunities. Styles include opera, art songs, choral compositions and arrangements, and Broadway musicals.

ILPN-P101

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: Piano principals

Prerequisites: None

Department Code: PIANO

Utilizing the latest technologies in Berklee's web-based learning environment, this blended (online and on-ground) piano lab is designed to develop reading and comping skills to support the role of the piano in the rhythm section. The focus is on strengthening the student's ability to read and interpret notation and chord symbols. Through the use of tunes that include a diverse range of styles and rhythmic feels, exercises to develop stylistically appropriate voicings, video clips to help students gain an understanding of the role of the pianist in the rhythm section, historical information on the development of styles over the 20th century and beyond, and listening assignments that expose the students to some of the most influential pianists, students will be better prepared to interpret and perform music at sight in ensembles and in other musical settings.

ILPN-P236

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: Piano principals

Prerequisites: ILPN-235

Department Code: PIANO

This course involves the in-depth study of upper structure triads (USTs) for the use of melodic material for improvisation. All chord types and triad combinations are analyzed for the purpose of linear and harmonic improvisation. The recordings of Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, James Williams, and Chick Corea are played and analyzed as examples of USTs in linear and harmonic contexts. Emphasis is placed on UST combinations to voice lead through chord progressions in a linear fashion. USTs are applied as a technique for harmonizing melodies in solo piano and trio formats. The use of USTs as a compositional element is also explored.

ILPN-P274

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: ILPN-273

Department Code: PIANO

The course offers an organized approach to develop a thorough knowledge of common harmonic vocabulary used in contemporary jazz established in ILPN-271, ILPN-272, and ILPN-273 (Jazz Harmonic Techniques for Piano 1, Jazz Harmonic Techniques for Piano 2, and Jazz Harmonic Applications) as applied to one-handed and two-handed voicings through construction and supportive exercises. Designed for pianists and other instrumentalists who want to further develop keyboard skills.